Preparation

Preparation for Surgery Patients

Please read these instructions carefully if you or a family member has been scheduled to have surgery at Beckley Surgery Center. These instructions are not all-inclusive; you may have other instructions given to you by your operating physician that you will need to follow.

Before surgery

Phone calls

When you are scheduled for surgery, you will receive a telephone call from our staff. We will ask general medical questions and go over instructions related to your specific procedure. We may, during that call, give you the time you will need to arrive at Beckley Surgery Center, or we may call you closer to the day of your surgery to schedule the specific time.

We will discuss with you ahead of time our payment policy and what your payment obligations will be.

If you have not heard from us by 2:00 pm on the day before your surgery is scheduled, please call (304) 255-2724.

What to do

Bathe or shower, and shampoo your hair, the evening before and the morning of your surgery. You may be given a special skin cleanser to use (instructions will be provided with this).

Notify your physician and our staff if you have had any changes in your health since your pre-op visit, including chest pain, breathing problems, illness, infection, or recent hospitalization.

Day of surgery

What to bring

Bring a list of any medications that you are presently taking, prescription or non-prescription, or medications you are prescribed but currently not taking. You may prefer to bring your medications in a container or bag. Also, bring a list of known allergies to medications, latex, or known side effects to anesthesia.

Bring your insurance and/or Medicare card. Also, bring a photo ID if you have one, and your social security number if not listed on one of your cards. You may also be asked to bring a payment on the day of surgery.

If you have an Advanced Directive, such as a Living Will or Power of Attorney, and you or your family member does not sign or make decisions for themself, please bring a copy of those documents.

Who to bring

If you require any sedation for your surgery, you must have a responsible adult accompanying you on the day of surgery who will drive you to and from the surgery center and stay with you for 24 hours after your procedure. Do not drive yourself to the surgery center. Even if you are using public transportation or a cab, you must have a responsible adult accompany you.

Because children can be unpredictable after anesthesia, two adults are required to accompany the child home as the driver may not be able to handle any issues that may arise with the child while driving.

What medications to take

Do take blood pressure, seizure, and heart medication as prescribed on the morning of your surgery with a small sip of water, unless otherwise advised by your surgeon.

Do not take insulin or diabetes medications. You may still bring them with you, especially if you plan to eat out prior to going home after surgery.

There may be medications you have to stop for a specific length of time prior to surgery. Examples of these are blood thinners, anti-inflammatories, diet pills, and herbal supplements. Your physician may show you a list of medications that may need stopped and advise you on that. Please review that list carefully and discuss questions with your surgeon and our staff, if needed.

After surgery

What to expect

At discharge, you will be given detailed instructions to follow. These instructions will be reviewed before and after your operation, and you will be given a chance to ask questions. Your instructions will have the phone numbers to call if you experience any complications.

Follow-up calls and patient questionnaire

You will be called the day following your surgery to check on you and ask you a few questions about your surgery. You may call us during our business hours if you have any questions about your procedure or your bill. We will also provide you with a post-op satisfaction questionnaire. We appreciate your feedback to help us continually improve our service and facilities.

Payment policy

We are contracted with most public and commercial insurance carriers and will bill those carriers for your services. You will be responsible for any co-payments or deductibles that apply to your particular policy. Your surgeon will bill for his services separately, as will anesthesia and the pathologist (if used). You may pay co-pays/deductibles with cash, check, or major credit card. If you have any questions regarding the fees for your surgical procedure, please ask to speak with our business office manager.

Preparation for pain management patients

There are some exceptions for patients coming to Beckley Surgery Center for interventional pain management or injections. Please follow the instructions given to you at your physician’s appointment. You may also review the text above for general information concerning phone calls, what to bring, medications to take and stop taking, and billing.

You must have someone to drive you home after your procedure. Even though you are not receiving sedation, you may experience some typical side-effects that affect your driving abilities. You may eat on the day of your procedure, but please do not eat a large meal close to the time you are scheduled to arrive.